Dilution Element Pipe Sleeve for Fibre Web Machine Headbox
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing dilution elements for fibre web machines are expensive to manufacture and difficult to modify due to their massive, solid structure, which limits their adaptability and increases production costs.
Innovation Solution
A dilution element designed with a light and simple pipe sleeve structure, featuring a mixing space inside and adaptable openings for dilution water and stock flow, allowing for easier assembly and replacement, and manufactured using less capital-intensive methods such as die casting or 3D printing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a massive structural component is used for the dilution element, then structural strength and stability are improved, but manufacturing cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The dilution element is divided into separate functional components: a manifold body and multiple dilution elements that can be independently manufactured and assembled. This segmentation allows each part to be optimized for its specific function, reducing overall manufacturing complexity and cost while maintaining structural integrity through standardized connection interfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs thin-walled structural designs and flexible sealing elements instead of massive rigid components. The dilution elements use thin-film seals and flexible connections that provide sufficient strength for operational requirements while dramatically reducing material consumption and manufacturing cost compared to traditional massive structural approaches.
2Stability of the object's composition
If a massive structural component is used for the dilution element, then structural stability is improved, but adaptability and modifiability decrease
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the dilution system into modular components (manifold body, individual dilution elements, replaceable seals), the design achieves structural stability through standardized connections while enabling easy adaptation. Each module can be independently modified, replaced, or reconfigured without affecting the overall system stability, allowing flexible adaptation to different operational requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The design incorporates dynamic adaptability through replaceable seals and adjustable connections that allow the system to be reconfigured for different applications. The modular architecture enables the system to adapt to varying production requirements while maintaining structural stability during operation through robust standardized interfaces.
3Manufacturing precision
If holes are machined in a solid sheet piece over the entire width, then manufacturing precision is improved, but manufacturing cost and time increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of machining holes through a solid sheet spanning the entire machine width, the system segments the flow distribution into multiple independent dilution elements. Each element is manufactured separately with precise hole positions achieved through cost-effective processes, then assembled into the complete system. This approach maintains the required manufacturing precision while dramatically improving production efficiency and reducing tooling costs.
Solution Approach 2:
The modular dilution elements are designed as economical, easily replaceable components that can be manufactured using simple, cost-effective processes. Rather than investing in expensive large-scale machining capabilities for entire-width components, the system uses affordable manufacturing methods for individual modules, accepting that these components may need periodic replacement rather than designing for indefinite service life.
4Strength
If welding is used to join structural pieces, then structural strength is improved, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The manifold body and dilution elements are designed with integrated connection features that combine multiple functions into unified components. Standardized threaded connections and sealed interfaces merge the joining, sealing, and alignment functions into simple standardized interfaces, eliminating the need for complex welding procedures while maintaining joint strength through optimized mechanical connections.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This design reduces manufacturing costs, simplifies the production process, and allows for easier modification and replacement of the dilution element, resulting in a more cost-effective and adaptable fibre web machine headbox.
Implementation Method 1
manufactured using less capital-intensive methods such as die casting or 3D printing
Implementation Method 2
manufactured using less capital-intensive methods such as die casting or 3D printing
Implementation Method 3
a stock flow diluted with dilution water in the mixing space is adapted to be supplied through a third opening
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a dilution element (10) for a headbox (30) of a fibre web machine, which dilution element is adaptable in connection with a headbox and which includes at least one mixing space (14) adapted to be formed inside the dilution element, openings (15, 19, 20) adapted in the dilution element, adapted to merge in the mixing space, where dilution water (37) is adapted to be supplied through the first opening (15) into the mixing space, a stock flow (38) is adapted to be supplied through the second opening (19) from a manifold (26, 26.1, 26.2) into the mixing space by means of an inlet pipe (16) adaptable in the opening, a stock flow (44) diluted with dilution water in the mixing space is adapted to be supplied through the third opening (20) from the mixing space forward in the flow direction (F) by means of an outlet pipe (29) adaptable in the opening, which outlet pipe is adapted to be sealed against the inner surface (27) of the third opening, and over its section between the second and third openings, the dilution element is adapted to be formed by a pipe sleeve (11), inside which said mixing space is adapted to be formed, and the first opening is adapted in the shell (12) of the pipe sleeve. The inlet pipe (16) of the dilution element extends into the pipe sleeve in the direction of travel of the stock flow, to at least the first opening in the pipe sleeve, and the inlet pipe is adapted to be sealed against the inner surface of the pipe sleeve. The invention also relates to a headbox of a fibre web machine.